2008 Cardinals Spring Training

Gibby17Ks · Veteran Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: Richmond, VA

I know it's early but is anyone making plans to go to S/T? Never too early to think about getting out of the cold and heading to FL for baseball and sunshine.

One game definitely on my itinerary is March 7, when the Cards play the Dodgers in Vero Beach. Since the Dodgers are pulling up stakes and moving to AZ, this is the last chance to see Dodgertown and all its history.
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No one ever says "It's only a game" when your team is winning.

mikehurt88 · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 9:01 pm Post subject:

Spring training is something I have always wanted to go to. Unfortunatly, I am not going, but I would love to someday. I wish it was just a little closer to St.Louis.
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catch108stchs · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:37 pm Post subject:

I think we might try for next spring. We want to go back to Disney world and might try to hit u[ a couple Braves games....

and 38 days isn't too early Smile

(well, about 45 days or something, but still)
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Gibby17Ks · Veteran Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: Richmond, VA

I went to S/T 4 years ago, have made my way back every year since. What makes it enjoyable, besides the obvious, is you never know who you might run into.

I've met Johnny Pesky, Steve Blass, Bill Mazeroski, chatted with Willie Horton about the '68 World Series, sat down with Bob Feller, got an autograph from Yogi Berra all 4 years, and even met Al Kaline while he was pouring beer at a concession stand in Lakeland. Every year is truly an adventure.

Yes, it is a long haul to FL, but well worth the journey.
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No one ever says "It's only a game" when your team is winning.

qwikimport · Just Signed Joined: 17 Oct 2007 Location: Miami, FL

I too will be at the March 7 game in Vero Beach. I went to Dodgertown last year for a Cards game and loved it. The stadium reminds me of American Legion ball. I'll also be at Roger Dean on the 6th and 8th. Jupiter is only about an hour from me. I can't wait.

gjd66 · Just Signed Joined: 12 May 2005 Location: Braintree, MA

I am heading down for the Mets game on 3/15 and the Braves on 3/16 & 3/17.

Does anyone know which dugout (1st or 3rd) the Cardinals use at Roger Dean?

Thanks

Batgirl1561 · Utility Player Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Tampa, FL

They used the 1st base dugout for the games I went to last year.

I think the best (and cheapest!) place to sit is the berm. You have to sit on the ground (so take a blanket if you go that way) but you're right up next to the "bullpen" where all the pitchers and everyone not playing sits during the game. They sign during the game (mostly for kids, but some will sign for whoever) and may even talk to you during the game.

It's all pretty cool wherever you sit, though. I live in Tampa and can't wait ti they report! I'll make the drive a few times, probably.
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qwikimport · Just Signed Joined: 17 Oct 2007 Location: Miami, FL

The Cards dugout is on the first base side, even when they're the away team playing the Marlins. Nothing beats sitting right behind the dugout, although I don't think there's a bad seat in the house.

catch108stchs · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:40 pm Post subject:

gjd66 · Just Signed Joined: 12 May 2005 Location: Braintree, MA

Cool, thanks. I'm looking forward to going, I haven't been down for spring training since they were in Tampa/St Pete.

Batgirl1561 · Utility Player Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Tampa, FL

Gibby17Ks · Veteran Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: Richmond, VA

The Jays have the best camp for fan access. You can pick up home run balls in the grass, can walk right up to the backstop to watch batting practice, most all the Jays players are accessable and friendly.

I wonder how Rolen will handle this "closeness"...

Before the games start, the Indians, Devil Rays, and Pirates also have great camp locations.
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No one ever says "It's only a game" when your team is winning.

stlcardsrock · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject:

Prices for everything have skyrocketed this year.
Flights, hotel accomodations, ticket prices.
It's all still worth it though.
I would never trade the memories of my boys intereacting with the players over the last 7 years in Jupiter.

The opportunity to meet the players and talk with them in a relaxed environment is very enjoyable. Unfortunately there are a few players that just never got it, and avoid fan interaction at all costs, like Preston Wilson. Never once, did I ever see him interact, either before or after games, either in Roger Dean or on the practice fields.

It is also a WONDERFUL opportunity to see all of the farm clubs at various levels close up. You get to see all of the hard work that goes into climbing the system ladder and battling other athletes for the few limited roster spots.
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"You know, in this organization, until you win a World Series, you're not really part of The Club.' Now this team is part of The Club"-TLR

msredbird51 · Bullpen Catcher Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Location: St. Louis

Gibby17Ks · Veteran Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: Richmond, VA

Having gone to S/T, as well as talked to many autograph "veterans", I have found (for the most part), the best way to get autos is to take an approach like this. Get there early, like when the gates open. The home team usually signs as they come onto the field, the visitors usually sign after they take infield or hitting practice. Other times for the visitors is when they get ready to board the team bus to leave the park. Some players will sign from the time they get there to well after everyone else has left. If you go to a game where the Yankees are the visiting team, you have an excellent chance to get Yogi Berra's auto. Be forewarned that all games involving the Red Sox or Yankees tend to be like a circus, with packed crowds.

If you are an early riser (6-7 AM), you can go to the stadium and catch players as they come into the parking lot. You never know who you might get.

Best parks for sigs? Bradenton (Pirates), Dunedin (Blue Jays), Clearwater (Phillies are good signers before the game). Winter Haven is a good facility, Bob Feller is always at all the home games. Odd as it sounds, I've never been to Roger Dean Stadium to see the Cards, have only seen them on the road.

Worst by far is Tampa. Going to a Yankees home game is like visiting an inmate at a prison. Security is unbelievable and players rarely sign. If you don't have a ticket for the lower section, security will literally force you to leave.

Hope this helps.
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No one ever says "It's only a game" when your team is winning.